Current Information on the Flu Impact in China

As of 15 January 2013, influenza detections declined in many countries despite rising influenza activity reported.

The peak of the flu season is diminishing in the Northern hemisphere, but it will take China a few weeks to a few months to see this reduction.

It’s not too late to get the flu shot!

It is still Flu Season.

In wintertime we allow very little fresh air into our indoor environments. This enables the flu virus to easily spread among people through cough droplets, sneezing or direct contact with contaminated hands or surfaces.

Influenza typically starts with a headache, chills and cough, followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, running nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children.

The flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu.

The flu may spread from person to person even before people have symptoms. It is also contagious when people have flu symptoms. Most people recover from the flu, but some people are at higher risk of developing flu-related complications. These include:

•    Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
•    Adults 65 years of age and older
•    Pregnant women
•    People who have chronic medical conditions.
•    People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
•    People who are morbidly obese (Body Mass Index [BMI] of 40 or greater)

Period of contagiousness

You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.

About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.

Why do we need a flu vaccine every year?

It is because the vaccine mutates every year. This requires a new vaccine to ensure proper immunity to the flu virus that is in circulation.

This year’s flu is predominately H3N2 with some low activities of H1N1.

These viruses are virulent, meaning they can easily pass on from person to another, but they are not as fatal as previously thought.

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.

Other preventive measures include:

1. Avoiding close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Staying home when you are sick.
Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Covering your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Cleaning your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

5. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practicing other good health habits.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

If you feel sick and wish to see a doctor, our United Family Healthcare team is available for you. Simply go to our website, www.ufh.com.cn, and select the home page for the area closest to you, then find our ‘locations’ and contact information to call us and make an appointment.

We invite you to come and visit our UFH facilities to address your health needs.

At our many of our facilities, we have extended the timeline for our vaccination clinic. In some case, such as at Beijing United Family Hospital, you may present yourself to the family medicine clinic for your vaccination at any time, no previous appointment is necessary.

Sources:
CDC.gov, CDC China
Flu Watch, Flu View, Flu Net
WHO.int